Britain needs a childcare revolution

Helping working parents should be a priority even in tough economic times, says Meg Hillier MP

A recent report found that the UK has some of the most expensive childcare in the world (Richard Pohle)

Ask any working parent what the toughest part of the job is and they’ll tell
you the same thing: sorting out childcare. It’s a constant logistical and
financial challenge. I should know: I’m a working mum with three children,
including one under five.

About 70% of working parents do not work 9-5, Monday to Friday. In London and
other big cities with journey-to-work times of more than 30 minutes, doing a
full day’s work is made more difficult by nursery hours. A recent report
from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development also found
that the UK has some of the most expensive childcare in the world.

In my constituency of Hackney South and Shoreditch, and across Britain, the
cost and quality of childcare is becoming the biggest worry for squeezed
middle- and lower-income earners. It must become a top priority for
politicians and policy-makers if we are to fix